Major setback for ICC as JioStar quits media deal

The International Cricket Council is facing a major broadcast setback after India’s JioStar said it cannot continue its media-rights deal. The company informed the ICC that it will be unable to fulfil the remaining two years of its three-year contract. The decision comes just two months before the 2026 T20 World Cup, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host from February 27. The development has created uncertainty around coverage of upcoming ICC events.

According to The Economic Times, JioStar blamed rising financial losses for its withdrawal from the $3bn agreement. Its audited accounts show that provisions for losses on sports-content deals more than doubled in one year. The amount rose from Rs.12,319 crore to Rs.25,760 crore. The broadcaster reportedly suffered huge losses during the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. The Indian government’s ban on real-money gaming, a major advertiser, added further pressure.

As a result of JioStar’s notice, the ICC has reopened bidding for the 2026–29 India media-rights cycle. It aims to secure around $2.4bn from the new deal. Sony Pictures Networks India, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video are among the possible contenders. However, none has publicly announced interest because of the high financial requirements. The ICC now faces a tight timeline to secure a reliable new partner.

Despite its financial struggles, JioStar continues to broadcast India’s home series against South Africa. Industry analysts believe the company is trying to limit losses while maintaining some key commitments. Yet the sudden exit from the ICC deal has raised concerns among advertisers and cricket boards. Many now await clarity on the future broadcast structure for ICC events.

Meanwhile, the ICC confirmed the schedule for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The tournament will run from February to March and will again be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. ICC President Jay Shah announced that Rohit Sharma will serve as the brand ambassador. He said Rohit’s leadership in the 2024 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy made him the ideal choice. The ICC hopes the announcement will boost excitement amid the ongoing broadcast turmoil.

READ MORE : ICC fines Indian cricket team

The International Cricket Council has confirmed that ICC fines Indian cricket team for slow over rate during the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur. This fine has been placed according to ICC rules and affects the match fee of the players involved.

According to ICC, the Indian team was found two overs short of the required quota during the match played on 3rd December. Because of this delay, the match officials recommended a financial penalty on the team.